Directed by Ryan Coogler
Written by Ryan Coogler and  Aaron Covington
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Coogler (and Jordan’s) FRUITVALE STATION was one of the best movies of 2013. It was for that reason aI was interested in seeing what Coogler could do with the rickety Rocky franchise. What he did was completely reinvigorate it with an uncanny combination of the heart of the first Rocky film and the much more sophisticated techniques of today. Where ROCKY could only take brief, mostly setbound looks at Philly, CREED fairly dances down the streets (or cycles them). Boxing sequences are cut to perfection. (Although could any two boxers exchange so many shots and still stand?) Jordan is a better actor too, but Stallone raises his bar considerably with this film. The sets are realistic, the script air-tight. There is just enough back story, just enough romance. If there ever was a crowd-pleaser to rival ROCKY, this is it.

Patti Abbott
In addition to being the Crimespree Senior Film Critic, Patti has penned numerous short stories and her debut novel, CONCRETE ANGEL, is in stores now. She hosts a look at Forgotten Books every Friday with readers, writers and reviewers at pattinase.blogspot.com. She hopes you’ll join in.